September 28, 2015
ISSUE 5-20
       

As always, please keep us informed of your coming events, job opportunities, grant availability, and other activities! Your ideas and feedback are welcomed.

Yours in prevention,
Kari Lerch
Deputy Director, Public Policy Institute
Overdoses kill more in Wisconsin than car accidents, breast cancer
Drug overdoses kill more Wisconsin residents than motor vehicle crashes, breast cancer, suicide and other types of deaths, a special report from the state says.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said 843 people died in 2013 from drug overdoses, double the number of deaths from overdoses in 2004.
"From urban areas to rural communities, drug overdoses are a public health crisis," said DHS Secretary Kitty Rhoades. "DHS is focusing our efforts on reducing inappropriate use of prescription pain relievers, as well as providing resources for recovery from the addictions that can lead to overdoses."

Raising Awareness to the Link between Tobacco and Infant Mortality
Most commonly, when we think of the harmful effects of smoking, cancer first comes to mind. While cancer is indeed and rightfully so a major concern, as September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month, the City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance is compelled to raise awareness to the role tobacco plays in the public health crisis of infant deaths as well. 
 The infant mortality rate (IMR) is an estimate of the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 live births. As stated in the most recent Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Report for the City of Milwaukee, the IMR is often used as a barometer to determine the health and well-being of a community, because factors affecting the health of entire populations can also affect infant mortality rates.
For additional information on local efforts or to seek resources for a pregnant or parenting mom you know, visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco.Tobacco users who are ready to quit can call 1-800-QUIT NOW for free help and medications.
  
Heartwrenching Truth About Smoking
Tuesday, September 29th is World Heart Day, a chance for the world to focus on creating healthy heart environments. There is a link between heart disease, strokes and smoking and unfortunately it can be life changing or even deadly. No one knows this better than Roosevelt, whose powerful story is profiled on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Tips From Former Smokers campaign page.
Community Resource Provider Access to the IMPACT 2-1-1 Online Database
We are fortunate in Milwaukee County to have such a great organization like 2-1-1 to be able to connect individuals with local resources. 2-1-1 can only promote your organization if they have your information.
Please follow the link for online instructions for getting listed in the database. We would like to remind you to keep your organization's information up-to-date.
AIDS Walk Wisconsin & 5K Run
What does Lance Bass, Michael Turchin and the City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance have in common? We will all be at the AIDS Walk Wisconsin and 5 K Run on Saturday, October 3rd at Summerfest Grounds! Come check out our City of Milwaukee Tobacco-Free Alliance resource table in advance to learn more about the tobacco disparities in the LGBTQ+ community that exist and how our LGBTQ+ work group is addressing with support from the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. The walk starts at 12:30 pm. Visit and "Like" our Facebook page for additional information as well as our our team page to help support this effort!
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In This Issue
Event Announcements
HEROIN/OPIATES SUMMIT
October 13-14
Wisconsin Dells, WI
This conference will provide information on a variety of heroin/opiates issues.  It will be attended by law enforcement, social service personnel, school personnel, medical professionals, and other interested people. Find more information and registration details online.

10TH ANNUAL MILWAUKEE FATHERHOOD SUMMIT
October 16-17
MILWAUKEE, WI
The purpose of the annual, two-day event has been to bring men together to discuss the issue of fatherlessness; identify solutions and resources; promote positive images of the father role and gather data to address the many obstacles that prevent men from being involved. Additional info and summit registration can be found here.
  
SAFE SCHOOLS, SAFE COMMUNITIES
           April 15, 2016
           UW-Madison, WI
A state conference on LGBTQ Youth. Find more infromation at www.gsafewi.org
  
Employment  Opportunities
Full-time positon available
Community Advocates' Public Policy Insitute is now hiring for a Drug Free Commmunity Organizer! Deadline to submit a resume and cover letter is September 30th. To see more information, click here.
         Brighter Futures
 
The Prevention Journal is brought to you by the Community Advocates Public Policy Institute . For more information on each of our prevention programs, click on their respective logos above.